The Fifth Edition of American Politics Today is designed to show students the reality of politics today and how it connects to their own lives. New features—from chapter opening cases that address the kinds of questions students ask, to full-page graphics that illustrate key political processes—show students how politics works and why it matters. All components of the learning package—textbook, InQuizitive adaptive learning tool, and coursepack—are organized around specific chapter learning goals to ensure that students learn the nuts and bolts of American government.

Shows students how politics really works and why it matters

New "How It Works" chapter openers feature hot-button political issues and pose the kinds of questions students might ask. New "Why Should I Care?" sections help students recognize the impact of politics on their own lives. "How It Works/How It Works in Practice" graphics, redesigned for greater clarity, highlight key political processes and structures and build graphical literacy.

Motivates reading and student success with compelling features

American Politics Today is engaging, lively, and inspiring. New "Take a Stand" features draw on politicians' statements to present contemporary issues in a pro/con debate. New "What Do the Numbers Say?" features develop quantitative reasoning skills by engaging students in data analysis. New "Did You Know?" features give students tidbits of information that may induce questions, anger, and may even cause students to get involved. New quotations from political figures show students that politics can be funny and poignant.

Enhanced student and instructor resources

The Fifth Edition chapter goals are tied even more closely to the learning objectives. This thoughtful integration is reflected in the book's accompanying media package: New InQuizitive course organized around chapter goals, updated InQuizitive skill-building module, free coursepack, end-of-chapter review questions, and an enhanced Norton Ebook.

APPENDIXThe Declaration of IndependenceThe Articles of ConfederationThe Constitution of the United States of AmericaAmendments to the ConstitutionThe Federalist Papers, Nos. 10 and 51Presidents and Vice Presidents